I believe neither of the two represents what we want for Colombia: a united country in the midst of the differences that enrich it, a country that turns its back on traditional politics in order to seriously combat corruption, a society that respects the peace agreements, and politicians that don’t say anything in order to win.

Sergio Fajardo

Fajardo’s refusal to choose will likely fracture his support base.

Some of his supporters will opt for Duque, others will choose Petro and others will follow Fajardo’s example and cast either a blank vote or abstain.

Parties also taking sides

The political parties that took part in Fajardo’s “Colombia Coalition” are deciding for themselves what to do before the second round.

Socialist party Democratic Pole said Wednesday it would endorse the candidacy of Petro, a social democrat. The Green Alliance said the same day it would only endorse Petro under conditions.

Fajardo’s political supporters agree with Petro over his support for an ongoing peace process with FARC guerrillas, but have rejected the growing polarization between the social democrat and Duque.

The two remaining candidates will now have to start appealing to Fajardo’s centrist backers in order to gain votes. The defeated candidate, however, said Tuesday he expects the race to become “very aggressive.”

Centrist candidate to cast blank vote in Colombia’s polarized election was last modified: May 31st, 2018 by Adriaan Alsema